“The books were a big hit! It was so fun to see the smiles on those children’s faces and see students before school starts in a couple of weeks,” said teacher Deb Bell. “This was a fun/easy way to show our community we are here and we care about our students!”

The Watertown School District is recognizing WEAC members Pam and Tim Suski for their work with the “Discipline with Dignity” program that has demonstrated success through compassion and high expectations. “We want to provide positive support and high expectations for both academics and behavior,” the Suskis say. “Through this program we show that we believe in them and expect excellent behavior — because they are capable of it.”

The Every Teacher a Leader Northwest Regional Summit was held this month in Trego. Seven teams of educators attended the Summit, each creating a plan to address an issue in their own school, district or region.

In the northern Wisconsin Bayfield community, the impact of the federal shutdown was felt everywhere – including the classrooms. Through the Bayfield Education Association, teachers banded together to take steps to help. While the shutdown showdown has ended, the opportunity to help others has brought members of the local union even closer together.

Through the Elmbrook Education Association, teachers have voice on issues that matter, say members who spoke with WEAC Vice President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen for the latest Spotlight on Locals column. “We are a strong local because we have a strong network,” explained fourth grade teacher Rick Ziolkowski.

WEAC Region 5’s Baraboo Education Association members knew they wanted to send a strong message after a widely criticized photo of students who appeared to make a Nazi salute went viral in November. The BEA Executive Board sprang into action, promoting a “No Room for Hate” T-shirt fundraiser to benefit the Auschwitz Memorial Museum, the first of many groups to condemn the photo.

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The Senate and Assembly education committees will both meet next week. Topics under consideration include character education, school board meeting notices, special education licensure, and out-of-state teacher license reciprocity.

In response to the release of new standardized test scores, WEAC President Ron Martin said, “At the start of a new school year educators welcome everyone in our communities to discuss how, together, we can address increasing barriers to learning including strapped school budgets, student poverty, trauma and mental health concerns.”

As predicted at the start of the legislative session, things are moving slowly. The Senate and Assembly will not meet in September, next convening again instead October 8-10. According to Capitol insiders, the 18 laws enacted in 2019 equal about a third of the number from back in 2017. Other highlights from Madison this week include the ongoing showdown between Attorney General Josh Kaul and Republican legislators over legal settlements, and the announcement that U.S. Representative Jim Sensesnbrenner is going to retire.

In a video message, WEAC President Ron “Duff” Martin welcomes educators back for another exciting school year and encourages them to continue their outstanding work on behalf of the children of Wisconsin. “The work you do as public school educators is incredibly important, and I know that you give it your all. We make sure that every kid gets a great public education,” he says.

The Republican leaders of the Joint Finance Committee have hired a private attorney – at $290 per hour paid by taxpayers – to sign a confidentiality agreement on behalf of the committee for any proposed settlements reached by Attorney General Josh Kaul.

Boost Your Knowledge with our Education Support Professionals Skills Institute. Education Support Professionals are invited to attend a one-day workshop designed exclusively for your role in supporting and inspiring students. From strengthening your skills in working with students, to promoting a safe school environment, there are plenty of options to meet your professional needs. Free for WEAC members, $50 for support professionals who have not yet joined.